Xpeng’s driverless cabs; Tesla launches FSD in China; Nio slams price wars: 7 EV reads

We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. Chinese firm Xpeng builds driverless cabs, challenging Tesla’s FSD softwareChinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng has begun mass production of autonomous cabs powered by its own chips, likely to mount yet another challenge on Tesla as both companies pursue a leading position in self-driving.2. Oil shock fuels BEVs to 9 of top 10 in sales, with China brands overtaking TeslaSurging oil prices are prompting Chinese buyers to shift to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which dominated April sales rankings by taking nine out of the top 10 spots – a new high in China’s electrification drive.3. China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisisChery Automobile, China’s largest car exporter by deliveries, expects its overseas sales of electric vehicles to jump as much as 27 per cent this year, as a global energy crisis spurs demand for battery-powered vehicles.4. As Chinese EV makers expand in Europe, are local suppliers set to benefit?New cars, including electric vehicles by Chinese firm BYD, are seen parked in the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium on October 24, 2024. Photo: ReutersEuropean automotive suppliers are set to benefit from an influx of Chinese carmakers, thanks to growing demand for electric vehicles and persistent local protectionism, according to Vulcan Energy Resources, a lithium and renewable energy producer in Germany.5. Global growth of pure EVs faces hurdles in insurance, charging gaps: BNP ParibasNew electric vehicles are set to be loaded at Shanghai Port on May 9. Photo: AFPThe global energy crisis may be pushing the balance towards pure electric vehicles amid worries about surging petrol bills, but BNP Paribas is cooling down expectations as a lack of charging infrastructure and high insurance costs remain major stumbling blocks.6. Tesla’s FSD launch in China heats up competition with domestic EV makersA Tesla owner drives hands-free in Amsterdam on April 17, days after Dutch regulators approved the use of the company’s self-driving software. Photo: ReutersTesla has announced the widely anticipated roll-out of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, just one week after company founder and CEO Elon Musk travelled to Beijing as part of a state visit by US President Donald Trump.7. China’s Nio slams EV price wars as costs surge, defying cuts by rival Li AutoChinese electric vehicle maker Nio has staked out a contrasting position on pricing to its domestic rival, Li Auto, with a top executive suggesting that carmakers must prioritise profitability as material costs climb.Further Reading